Minister Of Communication Rejects NIPOST’s Increment Of License Fee For Courier Services

The Federal Government has rejected the proposed increment of license fee for courier services by the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST.

Earlier today, NIPOST’s proposed increase had generated huge outrage in the public. According to the new regulation, companies which provide international courier services like DHL, UPS and FEDEX, are expected to pay N20m for a new licence and N8m annually while those who offer national services are expected to pay N10m for licence and N4m yearly for renewal.

In addition, logistics companies operating within regions are expected to pay N5m for licence and N2m annually, and firms operating within states would get a licence for N2m while renewal costs N800,000.

Courier firms running within cities are to pay N1m for licence and N400,000 annually. Small and Medium Enterprises would be receiving a licence for N250,000 while the annual renewal of the licence is N100,000. The new charges introduced by NIPOST are expected to cause an increase in the cost of courier services and delivery goods.

Responding to the outcry in a tweet Saturday morning, the minister of communication and digital economy, Isa Pantami, insisted that the increase was not part of the regulation he approved for the agency on Friday, July 24.

“Our attention has been drawn to an increase of licence fee, which was not part of the regulation I earlier approved for you,” he stated.

He added that NIPOST chairman and Post Master General “were yesterday (Friday) contacted to put the implementation on hold and send a report to our ministry by Monday.

The increase, is under investigation by my office, since yesterday. The Ministry and the Minister were not involved. Many thanks and best wishes! ”

Pls @NipostNgn, our attention has been drawn to an increase of licence fee, which was not part of the regulation I earlier APPROVED for you. Your Chair and PMG were YESTERDAY contacted to put the implementation on hold and send a report to our ministry by Monday. Best wishes!

— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020

2) @NipostNgn, d power of regulation of NIPOST lies with the Minister. Any change of fee must be specific & be approved by him before implementation. I know the economic challenges of NIPOST. However, looking at the economic hardship of our citizens, we need to suspend any move

— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) July 25, 2020